Education

As an educator since 1971, Marie is passionate about supporting Utah's schools. Since 2008, she has served on the Public Education Standing Committee and Public Education and Higher Education Appropriations Committees. Marie knows the only way to ensure that our children are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow is to see that we spend our education dollars wisely - IN THE CLASSROOM. She has sponsored and passed legislation that provides for accurate accounting of class size, supports educators, and minimizes the effects of over-testing and encourages a broad-based curriculum. In 2017, Marie was recognized as Legislator of the Year by both the Utah Education Association and Canyons School District.

Quality of Life

Marie is committed to providing a healthy, safe environment for our children and grandchildren. She is one of the founding members of the bipartisan Clean Air Caucus at the Legislature and has sponsored and passed clean air legislation. In 2014, she passed HB 71, landmark legislation preventing the victimization of women and girls. She is also part of the legislature's Health Reform Task Force working toward affordable healthcare solutions for Utah citizens.

Ethical, Responsive Government

Marie believes that Utah needs a system where government is open, responsive, transparent, and honest. She has supported and sponsored legislation that encourages campaign finance reform, limited the influence of special interest groups, limited legislative wages, bans lobbyist gifts, and establishes a bipartisan, independent ethics commission.

Economic Development

Marie has supported sound fiscal policy. "We must promote an economic environment that supports both large and small businesses." The Salt Lake Chamber has awarded her as a "Business Champion" every year since 2012.